Childhood Obesity

In today’s society its a scary reality that approximately 2 out of 5 kids are overweight or obese and the numbers are only rising. Furthermore, this is the first generation where the life expectancy for our children is declining.

The problem is two fold. First and foremost 2/3 of adults are overweight or obese. This too is getting worse. Second, we are in a time where video games outweigh stickball in the backyard. Kids are stuck in front of tv more than they are running around playing tag in the backyard. Unfortunately, the technological era we live in doesn’t help this situation.

But children, as are adults, are products of their environment. If you as a parent aren’t taking care of your own body do you really think that your children will? Absolutely not! Our children watch and listen to everything that we do. We need to be good role models for them so they grow up and learn how to live a healthy and fulfilling life. We are their first form of education. We are their first teachers. We need to guide them to make right choices.

As a father of three girls do I expect my little ones to be working out every single day? Absolutely not. But by eating a healthy and balanced diet and exercising daily I’ve noticed that my girls want to do the same. They ask to work out with me. I have sparked their interest and they want to follow in my footsteps. On the contrary if I sat on the couch, ate junk food and did nothing but watch tv I’m sure they would want to do the same. They do have workouts for kids such as Tony Horton and the Kids and Shaun T’s Fit Kids Club that many kids love. The resources are out there we just need to guide our kids in the right direction.

In summary, remember you only get ONE body. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Be a good leader. Be a good role model and show your kids the benefits of living a healthy and fulfilling life. They are our most precious commodity. They are our future. Show them the way.

Enjoy this video of two of my girls copying one of my workouts. They make me crack up!!